Halitosis is characterized by foul mouth odor or bad breath. The condition can often be detected as you exhale, talk, cough or open your mouth to eat. Reasons for halitosis include oral dryness or medical conditions, notes the American Dental Association. It can also come from foods you consume such as fish, cheese, onions, meat and garlic. Adjusting your diet to limit or restrict halitosis-trigger foods can improve your breath.
Onions and Garlic
You need to avoid onions and garlic if you are prone to halitosis. Onions and garlic contain mercaptans or sulfur compounds that create bad odor. According to MayoClinic.com, after these food sources are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, they transfer to different areas of your body, such as the lungs. When this occurs, these food fumes are emitted through your breath. Garlic and onion effects can last until they are eliminated from your body through excretion.
Fish and Meat
Heavily seasoned fish and meat can often cause bad breath. Spices and herbs are often added to these foods for enhanced tasting. If fish and meat smells stay on your breath, try sprinkling lemon juice on it to mask the odor.
Dairy Products
According to "Dental Erosion: Diagnosis to Therapy" by professor Adrian Lussi, M.D., dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese can cause amino acid buildup. Bacteria in your throat and tongue surface cause these amino acids to develop into sulfur compounds that can contribute to halitosis or bad breath.
Sugary Foods
Consuming sugary foods, such as mints, chewing gum or candies, can fuel bacteria in your oral cavity to create and reproduce sulfur compounds. This can cause mouth acids to erode your teeth enamel, which can contribute to bad breath, Lussi reports. Other examples of sugary foods include pastries, desserts and carbonated drinks.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Halitosis (Bad breath)
- Massachusetts Dental Society: Bad Breath
- American Dental Association: Halitosis (Bad Breath)
- "Dental Erosion: Diagnosis to Therapy"; Dr. Adrian Lussi; 2006
- Dental-Health-Index.com: Foods That May Lead to Bad Breath Due to Volatile Sulphur Compounds
- MayoClinic.com: Bad Breath
